Leaders of Florida Polytechnic University and Catapult Lakeland signed memorandum of understanding Friday that will give students and faculty access to the business incubator in downtown Lakeland.
The partnership seeks to empower students and faculty with hands-on STEM education and entrepreneurial opportunities, Florida Poly said in a news release.
“We now have a platform for collaboration, and I firmly believe that it doesn’t matter who gets the credit, it just matters that we do good things together and make a difference,” Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson said in a news release. “Ultimately, we all want to make Lakeland a hub for innovation and this is just one step.”
Catapult’s 10,000-square-foot makerspace is equipped with advanced tools and technologies for startup entrepreneurs. The partnership will provide access to the makerspace for designated Florida Poly faculty, fabricators and students for approved projects or business ventures.
Florida Poly students will be able to work with Catapult’s entrepreneurial community, participate in pitch nights, engage in mentorship relationships and gain firsthand experience with start-up development, the release said.
Florida Poly’s faculty will advise students and collaborate with Catapult startups and local businesses, offering technical solutions and research support in areas like engineering, data science and tech development.
The university will also provide resources, including its 3D print farm and technical expertise, to help Catapult startups accelerate product development while offering students hands-on experience in engineering and design, the release said.
“We believe this is the beginning of a powerful collaboration that will shape the future of entrepreneurship and innovation in all of Central Florida,” Catapult President Christin Strawbridge said in the release. “We’re excited to show up tomorrow and make this a partnership that really matters.”